It's now a bit easier being green - and endangered

On the comeback trail . . . a Fijian crested iguana from the breeding program at Taronga Zoo. Photo: Tamara Dean

In a year when war brought out the worst in mankind, the Fijian crested iguana shows what scientists, conservationists and governments can achieve.

The large lizard, which can grow up to a metre long, was discovered on a small Fijian island in 1979, but has battled for survival against habitat loss, feral cats, and local belief that the lizard is the bearer of bad luck.

The lizard is recognised as a critically-endangered species, with only one viable population found on the island of Yadua Taba.

But its fortunes, alongside other animals including the Californian condor and golden lion tamarin from Brazil, are changing. Conservationists say there is growing public awareness about the impacts of development and a growing human population on the natural environment.

The Australian Conservation Foundation's campaigns director, John Connor, said while the public usually focused on the plight of better-known animals such as dolphins and bears, people were starting to recognise the need to support other, less charismatic, animals.

The Worldwide Fund for Nature Australia's chief executive, David Butcher, said people were starting to realise the importance of whole marine and forest systems.

"Species are really just indicators of the health of the natural systems that support them . . . an endangered species is an indicator of that system under stress," he said. The fund has tripled its supporter base in three years.

Mr Butcher said there were now more men in their late 20s to 30s, replacing women aged 30 to 35 as the dominant membership group.

Taronga Zoo, meanwhile, has established breeding programs for the Fijian crested iguana in case of a predator or disease on the island.

The zoo has also set up a conservation fund for the iguana to help with efforts in Fiji to protect the animal.

The manager of the zoo's reptile section, Peter Harlow, said education programs had been set up in the village to teach locals about the importance of fauna and their role as "custodians" of the iguanas.